International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights facts for kids

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (often called ICESCR) is an important treaty. It was created by the United Nations. This treaty helps make sure that everyone has certain economic, social and cultural rights. These rights are also mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The ICESCR is a very important part of international human rights law. It was agreed upon in 1966. It officially started to be used in 1976.

What the Covenant Says

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights lists many important rights. These rights help people live a good life. Here are some of the main ones:

• Article 2: Everyone should enjoy all the rights in this Covenant. No one should face discrimination (unfair treatment) because of who they are.
• Article 5-7: Everyone has the right to work. This work should have good conditions. People should also get equal payment for doing the same work.
• Article 8: People have the right to join a trade union. A trade union is a group that helps workers. They also have the right to strike action. This means stopping work to ask for better conditions. This includes fair payment and holiday time.
• Article 9: Everyone has the right to Social Security. This means getting help if you are sick, old, or cannot work.
• Article 10: People have the right to marriage and to start a family. Mothers and children should get special protection and support.
• Article 11: Everyone has the Right to an adequate standard of living. This includes enough food, proper clothing, and a safe place to live (the housing).
• Article 12: People have the right to the best possible standard of health. This means access to good healthcare.
• Article 13: Everyone has the Right to education. All children should get free primary education. Everyone should also have equal access to secondary and higher education. These should be as free as possible. Education should help everyone grow and learn. It should also teach respect for human rights, tolerance, and peace.
• Article 15: People have the right to enjoy culture and science. This means being able to take part in cultural life and benefit from scientific progress.

Related Pages

• Economic, social and cultural rights
• International human rights law
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights

See also

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In Spanish: Pacto Internacional de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales para niños